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Ancient Stories for Modern Times50 Short Wisdom Tales for All AgesRetold by Faye Mogensen
ISBN: 9781558967793Book (Wire)Skinner House Books$20.00

8 1/2 x 11304 pagesDecember 1, 2016

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“Designed for the novice storyteller as well as the seasoned professional, Ancient Stories for Modern Times reminds us that stories are both medicine and nourishment. They are gifts we give each other. Skillfully retold, these wisdom tales address an array of critical issues, from "Living with One Another" to "Seeking Justice" and "Accepting Change." With Mogensen's guidance, you'll soon find yourself telling your own versions, trusting the story to come alive in your imagination. All you have to do is let one of the stories choose you and then begin. . . .” —Margo McLoughlin, author of Seeds of Generosity: Storytelling in the Classroom

“As someone who loves to tell stories, I already envision myself sharing these with audiences young and old. Those looking for stories for worship or workshops will be pleased by the wide selection, categorized by themes and including story maps to make the telling easier. The majority of these tales are new to me. I imagine Mogensen traveling down many paths-in forest and field, desert and plains of ice—gathering stories like precious jewels in a small sack close to her heart.” —Jessica York, UUA Director of Lifespan Faith Development

50 lively and engaging stories from around the world explore a broad range of life lessons. Includes reflection questions, story maps, and an index of themes and UU Principles.

Folktales—a font of timeless wisdom—are meant to be told aloud. This rich collection curates fifty such tales and provides guidance for telling them well in gatherings. These lively and engaging stories from around the world star a panoply of colorful characters. Their adventures and conundrums illustrate our relationships to the natural world and to one another and present a rich array of principles to live by. The stories explore a broad range of themes, including authenticity, forgiveness, generosity, death, faith, hope, and many more. Some funny, others poignant—all of the tales draw listeners in and allow them to develop their own personal interpretation. Each story is accompanied by a brief description to help users select one suitable for their occasion and reflective questions to provide food for thought or spark a conversation. Story maps help tellers quickly learn the tales and facilitate powerful oral storytelling. A comprehensive index of themes and Unitarian Universalist Principles rounds out this comprehensive folktale resource.

Faye Mogensen is a long time storyteller, a former park naturalist, and now the director of spiritual learning at the First Unitarian Church of Victoria, British Columbia. A contributor to the folktale collection World on a Maple Leaf, she has also written numerous articles and stories. She holds an M.Ed. specializing in stories and drama as tools for learning.See all titles by this author